Luggage Tote

ABSTRACT

A luggage system, the luggage comprising at least a front side and a rear side, having an interior face and an exterior face, the front and rear sides connected through an at least one seam and defining an interior cavity, the seam comprising at least one opening, wherein the at least one opening incorporates a closure device, a retaining device, the retaining device located in the interior cavity of the luggage system and wherein the retaining device protrudes through the opening when actuated, thereby enabling a removable strap to be attached and a trolley sleeve to be formed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to luggage systems, including totebags and the like, featuring retaining devices for coupling of multiplearticles of luggage and related systems and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As transportation systems, electronics, and user expectations haveevolved over the last 100 years, luggage systems have evolved alongsideto maintain their relevance and to aid travelers as they move throughairports, terminals, bus stations, railways, and ocean liners. Thisevolution has pushed luggage manufacturers to ensure their luggageproducts meet and satisfy the evolving expectations relating to utility,functionality, and aesthetics.

Despite that there have been numerous luggage systems that have beendesigned, manufactured, and sold throughout the global luggagemarketplace over the past 50 years, there still remains a great need fornew and improved luggage systems that address the continued evolution inmethods of travel and user expectations. Specifically, “carry-on” bagshave become a staple of the modern traveler, providing additionalsecurity for user's personal items, as well as providing a travelereasier access to their personal items during travel (e.g. under a seatin front). As “carry-on” bags become increasingly relevant in an era ofincreased travel costs, the average traveler will begin to requiresystems that allow them to travel while simultaneously carrying multiplebags.

As such, there is a need in the art for new and improved luggage systemsthat better address the needs of users while simultaneously overcomingthe shortcomings, deficiencies, and drawbacks of prior art luggagesystems, methods, and technologies. There is a need for luggage systemsthat allow for single travelers to enhance the amount of clothing andpersonal items they can carry without the need for large “checked” bags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a primary objective of the present invention is to provideimproved luggage systems that better address the ways in which peopletravel, in a style they feel most comfortable, while enjoying anunprecedented level of convenience which they will naturally welcome,and overcoming the shortcomings and drawback of prior art luggagesystems, methods and technologies.

In furtherance of this primary object, a new and improved luggage systemis provided comprising a retaining device that will allow for a user toattach the luggage system to other rolling luggage, thereby allowing asingle traveler to easily and comfortably transport multiple luggagesystems without impacting practicality or aesthetics. The invention canprovide for totes or bags of suitable size for carrying personal effectswithout being unwieldy or otherwise imposing a burden upon a traveler.The invention can provide for a tote or bag that is capable of beingretained upon or coupled to another article of luggage, e.g., wheeled orun-wheeled hard or soft-side luggage, while also remaining aestheticallypleasing. The invention can provide for a retaining device that permitsfor effective retention of the tote or other bag during use but wherebythe retaining device can also be removed and/or hidden when not in use.Where the retaining device, e.g., a removable strap, sleeve, or thelike, can be removed, weight savings can be realized, which can offer abenefit to an already encumbered traveler.

Modern day travelers rely less and less on large single luggage systems,and instead opt to travel utilizing multiple smaller bags. This affordsthe travel particular benefits, including the ability to “carry-on”these bags into a plane cabin—thereby reducing airline fees and costlydelays waiting for luggage to be transported from the plane to theairport carousel. Therefore it is an object of the systems and methodsdescribed herein to provide travelers a means of transporting theirmultiple pieces of luggage easily and securely. Specifically, it is theintent of the invention to provide luggage systems that can beconfigured, with the addition of a removable strap attached to anintegral retaining system, a trolley sleeve that allows for a travelerto easily and securely place the luggage system atop a second piece ofrolling luggage—thereby enhancing the mobility and carrying capacity ofeach traveler without sacrificing safety or security.

In one aspect, the invention features a luggage system to allow for theattachment of a removable trolley sleeve. The luggage system includes afront and rear side connected via at least one seam. The luggage systemcan include at least one opening located substantially along the seam.Additionally, the luggage system can include a retaining device locatedon the interior of the luggage system. In some embodiments the retainingdevice can be actuated so as to fit through the opening, therebyenabling a removable strap to be attached and the trolley sleeve to beformed. In some embodiments the actuation of the retaining devicerequires a user to pull the retaining device through the opening. Insome embodiments the retaining device must be pushed through theopening. In some embodiments actuating the retaining device requiresmerely attaching a strap to the retaining device. In some embodimentsthe opening device can incorporate a closing feature for concealing theopening to create a clean aesthetic or so as to prevent the user'sbelongings from spilling when the retaining device is not in use.

In some embodiments, the opening is located entirely in the front orrear side. In some embodiments the retaining device can include afastener. In some embodiments the fastener can include d-ring.Alternatively, the fastener can be a magnetic. Alternatively thefastener can be a button or a leather loop.

In another aspect the luggage system has two openings on opposite sidesof the luggage system, each opening incorporating its own closingfeature and corresponding retaining device.

In another aspect, the invention features a method for creating atrolley sleeve. The method includes providing a removable strap. Themethod also includes attaching the removable strap to a retaining systemof the luggage system. The method also includes orienting the removablestrap so as to create a trolley sleeve wherein an extendible handle froma second luggage system can be inserted. In some embodiments theremovable strap is oriented to create a shoulder strap. In someembodiments the removable strap is oriented so as to be coupled to ashoulder strap.

In another aspect the bag has a front portion and a rear portion, eachportion having at least one edge and wherein at least one seam isdefined by the first edge of the front portion and the first edge of therear portion. The bag can also have at least one opening in the seam andat least one closure device, where the closure device contains a firstmagnet attached to the first edge of the front portion and a secondmagnet attached to the first edge of the rear portion. Additionally, thebag can contain a retaining device attached within an interior cavity ofthe bag, wherein the retaining device has a length sufficient to permitrouting of a distal end of the retaining device through the opening fromthe interior cavity to an exterior of the bag and the distal end of theretaining device having a fastener for securing a strap.

In another aspect the bag has a front portion and a rear portion whichtogether define an interior cavity of the bag. The bag can also have atleast one seam defined by the first edge of the front portion and thefirst edge of the rear portion and containing at least one opening inthe seam. The opening in the seam can have a closure device, and aretaining device attached within the interior cavity. The retainingdevice has a length sufficient to permit routing of a distal end of theretaining device through the opening from the interior cavity to anexterior of the bag, and where the distal end of the retaining deviceincludes a fastener for securing a strap.

In another aspect the bag facilitates the creation of a trolley sleeve,the steps for creating the trolley sleeve include at least: (i)disengaging at least one closure device of the bag, where the closuredevice is configured so as to secure at least one opening defined by thefirst edge of a front portion and the first edge of a rear portion; (ii)extending a distal end of at least one retaining device through at leastone opening, the distal end of the retaining device comprising at leastone fastener; and (iii) securing a strap to the at least one fastener.

In another aspect the bag contains at least one body portion having aninterior surface and an exterior surface and an opening formed in the atleast one body portion. Additionally, a retaining device can be attachedto the interior surface such that the retaining device has a lengthsufficient to permit routing of a distal end of the retaining devicethrough the opening from the interior surface to the exterior surface.The distal end of the retaining device can include a fastener forsecuring a strap.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention can become apparent fromthe following drawings and description, all of which illustrate theprinciples of the invention, by way of example only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages of the invention described above, together with furtheradvantages, may be better understood by referring to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Thedrawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally beingplaced upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a rear prospective view of the luggage system.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the luggage system.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the luggage system.

FIG. 4 is an exterior right side view of the luggage system with afastener depicted in an unextended configuration.

FIG. 5 is an interior side detail view of the luggage system with thefastener depicted in an unextended configuration.

FIG. 5A is an interior side detail view of the luggage system with thefastener depicted in an extended configuration.

FIG. 5B is an exterior side detail view of the luggage system with thefastener depicted in an extended configuration.

FIG. 6 is an exterior right side view of the luggage system with thefastener depicted in the extended configuration.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the removable strap.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the luggage system with the removable strapattached.

FIG. 9 is a rear prospective view of the luggage system with theremovable strap attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to specific illustrative embodiments, it should be understoodthat various changes in form and detail may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, luggage system 1 can comprisefront side 3, rear side 4, and seam 2 to define an interior space. Insome embodiments, seam 2 can be formed by stitching front side 3 andrear side 4 together. In some embodiments, one or more of stitching,gluing, snapping, riveting, zippering, buttoning, or the like, can beused alone or in combination to join front side 3 and rear side 4 toform seam 2. As further described herein, seam 2 can include an opening(which itself can be secured in an open or closed configuration) thatcan interrupt seam 2 as it extends down the length of luggage system 1.Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the luggage system 1 depicted is a tote. In someembodiments, luggage system 1 can be a handbag, a backpack, a satchel, apurse, a pocketbook, or any bag.

Front side 3 and rear side 4 can be formed from any material, includingcanvas, nylon, leather, a textile blend, fabric, or other suitablematerial. Front and rear sides 3 and 4 can be formed from the same ordifferent materials, for example to increase the durability or rigidityof one or the other sides, including to increase the durability and/orrigidity of rear side 4 which can slide against the handle tubes of anarticle of luggage when luggage system 1 is placed on or removed fromanother article of luggage during travel. Luggage system 1 can includehandles 12 which can be sewn or otherwise attached to front and rearsides 3 and 4 of luggage system 1. In some embodiments, handles 12 canbe removably attached to luggage system 1. Handles 12 can be of asuitable length and geometry to permit a user to easily carry luggagesystem 1 when luggage system 1 is loaded or empty. In some embodiments,handles 12 can be of a suitable length and geometry so as not tointerfere with retention of luggage system 1 upon or adjacent to anotherarticle of luggage, including as described herein.

Referring to FIG. 4, luggage system 1 includes opening 5 in seam 2 wherefront and rear sides 3 and 4 are joined. In some embodiments, opening 5contains an overlap between front side 3 and rear side 4 so as to bevisually obscured when not in use. In some embodiments, opening 5 can beflush with seam 2 so as to be more easily accessed by a user or concealthe opening when the retaining device is not engaged. Opening 5 allowsfor the passage of items (e.g., a retaining device) from the interior ofluggage system 1 to the exterior surface of luggage system 1, includingas described herein. In some embodiments opening 5 includes closuredevice 7 to secure opening 5 in a closed configuration when not in use.Closure device 7 can be a pair of complimentary magnets disposed in oron front side 3 and rear side 4. In some embodiments, closure device 7can close opening 5 automatically, e.g. whenever opening 5 is not heldopen by any object or by a user. In some embodiments, closure device 7can require manual manipulation to open or close opening 5. Closuredevice 7 can be a zipper, button(s), snaps, hook and loop fastener (e.g.Velcro), or other suitable mechanism to permit opening and closing ofopening 5 without substantially interfering with the aestheticappearance or smooth surface of the exterior of the bag and/or withoutsubstantially interfering with the interior of luggage device 1,including to avoid taking up cargo space in the interior of luggagedevice 1. In some embodiments, closure device 7 can be designed toassist in the retention of a removable strap described herein. In someembodiments, opening 5 can have no closure device 7 to allow for userswith physical limitations to still utilize the advantageous of thepresent invention. In some embodiments, front side 3 and rear side 4 canbe integrally formed from a single piece of material, such that seam 2is not present on luggage device 1. Where there is no seam 2 in luggagedevice 1, opening 5 can be formed in the side of luggage device 1, e.g.,as a hole or other opening in the material making up the sides ofluggage device 1.

Referring to FIG. 5, luggage system 1 can include retaining device 6. Insome embodiments retaining device 6 is a single strip of leather orother material. Retaining device 6 can be integral to the interior ofthe luggage system, or as illustrated in FIG. 5, the retaining devicecan be a separate piece of material that is attached to the interior ofluggage system 1. In some embodiments, retaining device 6 can beattached to the exterior of luggage system 1. In some embodiments,retaining device 6 is sewn onto luggage system 1. In some embodiments,retaining device 6 can be e.g., buttoned, glued, zippered, or otherwiseattached to luggage system 1.

Retaining device 6 can be retractable so as to minimize its impact onthe interior of the luggage system 1. In some embodiments, retainingdevice 6 can be formed from or include a section of elastic orsemi-elastic material to permit retaining device 6 to vary in length.Retaining device 6 can be formed from an elastic or semi-elasticmaterial to decrease the space the retaining device 6 occupies, e.g., onthe interior of luggage system 1 when it is not in use, or to providefor increased tension when a removable strap is joined to retainingdevice 6, providing for better engagement and/or retention of luggagesystem 1 when it is used in conjunction with another article of luggage.In some embodiments, retaining device 6 can be adjustable such that itcan be tightened or loosened by a user, which can decrease the space theretaining device 6 occupies, e.g., on the interior of luggage system 1when it is not in use, or to provide for increased tension when aremovable strap is joined to retaining device 6, providing for betterengagement and/or retention of luggage system 1 when it is used inconjunction with another article of luggage.

Retaining device 6 includes fastener 11 at the dorsal end of retainingdevice 6. In some embodiments, fastener 11 can be a D-ring for securinga removable strap. In some embodiments, fastener 11 can include a magnetfor securing a removable strap. In some embodiments, fastener 11 caninclude, e.g., snaps, buttons, leather tabs, or the like. Retainingdevice 6 can include a tensioner mechanism to impose a force uponfastener 11.

Referring to FIG. 5A, retaining device 6 can actuate so as to protrudethrough opening 5. In some embodiments, retaining device 6 can bepositioned so as to require a 180 degree bend to protrude through theopening 5. In some embodiments, retaining device 6 can be oriented sothat no bend in the retaining device 6 is needed. Retaining device 6 beattached to either front side 3 or rear side 4 in such a manner as topull or otherwise force the sides (and/or opening 5) closed or togetherwhen retaining device 6 is actuated to the engaged position, e.g., whena removable strap is attached. In this manner, the structural stabilityof luggage system 1 can be increased, e.g., because seam 2 would notexperience forces that would tend to force the seam open, and likewiseopening 5 would not experience forces that would tend to force theopening open.

FIGS. 5B and 6 depicts a left side view of luggage system 1 withretaining device 6 actuated through the opening 5, such that it iscapable of being engaged by a removable strap, e.g., as represented inFIG. 9. In some embodiments, retaining device 6 and/or fastener 11 cansit against the exterior surface of luggage system 1 after beingactuated through opening 5, in order to prevent those components frominadvertently snagging or catching on external surfaces. In someembodiments, a user can pull retaining device 6 and/or fastener 11through opening 5 in order to engage one or more of those componentswith the removable strap. In some embodiments, only fastener 11 can beexposed on the exterior of luggage system 1, and in some embodiments,all or a portion of retaining device 6 can remain out of view from theoutside of luggage system 1 (e.g., can remain internal to luggage system1), once the removable strap is attached to fastener 11. One skilled inthe art will understand that the structures, devices, and relatedmethods described with reference to the left side of luggage device 1 inFIGS. 4-6 can also be present on the right side of luggage device 1 andcan be formed, shaped, and operate in the same manner as thosestructures, devices, and related methods as they are described hereinwith reference to FIGS. 4-6.

Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments the strap 8 is removable.Alternatively, strap 8 is permanently attached to retaining device 6. Insome embodiments strap 8 is less than 0.25 inches wide. In someembodiments strap 8 is between 0.25 and 0.75 inches wide. In someembodiments strap 8 is between 0.74 and 1 inches wide. In someembodiments strap 8 is more than 1 inch wide. Referring to FIG. 8 andFIG. 9, strap 8 is engaged with luggage system 1 to create a trolleysleeve. In some embodiments strap 8 is attached to retaining device 6when retaining device 6 is actuated through opening 5. Alternatively thestrap 8 traverses opening 5 and attaches to retaining device 6 on theinterior of luggage system 1. In some embodiments the trolley sleeve ispositioned so as to allow luggage system 1 to be retained upon orcoupled to a secondary article of luggage. By way of example and notlimitation, the extendible handle of the secondary article of luggagecan be inserted within the trolley sleeve. Alternatively luggage system1 can be worn by a user, and the trolley sleeve can allow for asecondary article of luggage to attach and hang from luggage system 1.

In some embodiments, strap 8 can be used as a shoulder strap. A shoulderstrap can be longer than and/or extend beyond handles 12, which can,e.g., permit a user to sling luggage system 1 over their shoulder foroptional hands-free carrying. Strap 8 can be extendible and/orretractable when used as a shoulder strap, such that strap 8 can havesuitable length to function as a shoulder strap, but can be retracted tofit snugly around the handle of a secondary article of luggage thenluggage system 1 is so disposed. In some embodiments, strap 8 can becoupled with a separate shoulder strap to cooperate to allow ease ofcarrying and securing luggage system 1.

Referring now to the drawings in general, the illustrations are for thepurpose of describing an embodiment of the application and are notintended to limit the application thereto. The above-mentioned examplesare provided to serve the purpose of clarifying the aspects of theapplication, and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that theydo not serve to limit the scope of the following claims. By its nature,this application is highly adjustable, customizable and adaptable. Theabove-mention examples are is just some of the many configurations thatthe mentioned components can take on. All modifications and improvementshave been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability butare properly within the scope of this disclosure.

1. A bag comprising: a front portion and a rear portion, each portionhaving at least one edge; at least one seam defined by a first edge ofthe front portion and a first edge of the rear portion; at least oneopening in the seam, at least one closure device, comprising a firstmagnet attached to the first edge of the front portion and a secondmagnet attached to the first edge of the rear portion; a retainingdevice attached within an interior cavity of the bag, the retainingdevice having a length sufficient to permit routing of a distal end ofthe retaining device through the opening from the interior cavity to anexterior of the bag, the distal end of the retaining device including afastener.
 2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a d-ring. 3.The bag of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a magnet.
 4. The bag ofclaim 1, wherein the bag comprises a strap for attaching to the fastenerof the retaining device.
 5. The bag of claim 4, wherein the strapincludes a swivel clip to attach to the fastener of the retainingdevice.
 6. The bag of claim 4, wherein the strap creates a trolleysleeve when attached to the fastener of the retaining device.
 7. A bagcomprising: a front portion and a rear portion, together defining aninterior cavity of the bag; at least one seam defined by a first edge ofthe front portion and a first edge of the rear portion; at least oneopening in the seam, the at least one opening having a closure device; aretaining device attached within the interior cavity, the retainingdevice having a length sufficient to permit routing of a distal end ofthe retaining device through the opening from the interior cavity to anexterior of the bag, wherein the distal end of the retaining deviceincludes a fastener.
 8. The bag of claim 7, wherein the fastener is ad-ring.
 9. The bag of claim 7, wherein the fastener is a magnet.
 10. Thebag of claim 7, wherein the fastener is a leather loop.
 11. The bag ofclaim 7, wherein the closure device comprises magnets to keep the atleast one opening closed when the retaining device is not in use. 12.The bag of claim 7, wherein the closure device comprises a hook and loopfastener to keep the at least one opening closed when the retainingdevice is not in use.
 13. The bag of claim 7, wherein the bag comprisesa strap for attaching to the fastener of the retaining device.
 14. Thebag of claim 13, wherein the strap creates a shoulder strap whenattached to the fastener of the retaining device.
 15. The bag of claim13, wherein the strap includes a swivel clip to attach to the fastenerof the retaining device.
 16. The bag of claim 13, wherein the strapcreates a trolley sleeve when attached to the fastener of the retainingdevice.
 17. The bag of claim 13, wherein the strap is permanentlyattached to the fastener of the retaining device.
 18. A method foroperating a trolley sleeve comprising: disengaging an at least oneclosure device of a bag, the closure device configured to secure an atleast one opening defined by a first edge of a front portion and a firstedge of a rear portion; extending a distal end of an at least oneretaining device through the at least one opening, the distal end of theretaining device comprising at least one fastener; securing a strap tothe at least one fastener.
 19. The method for operating a trolley sleeveof claim 18, wherein disengaging the at least one closure deviceincludes overcoming the magnetic attraction between a magnet on thefirst edge of the front portion and a magnet on the first edge of therear portion.
 20. The method for operating a trolley sleeve of claim 18,the method further comprising disengaging a second closure device of asecond opening and extending a distal end of a second restraining devicethrough the second opening, the distal end of the second restrainingdevice comprising at least one fastener.
 21. The method for operating atrolley sleeve of claim 18, the method further comprising extending thestrap through the at least one opening and securing the strap to the atleast one fastener of the retaining device on an interior of the bag.22. A bag comprising: at least one body portion having an interiorsurface and an exterior surface; an opening formed in the at least onebody portion; a retaining device attached to the interior surface, theretaining device having a length sufficient to permit routing of adistal end of the retaining device through the opening from the interiorsurface to the exterior surface, the distal end of the retaining deviceincluding a fastener for securing a strap.
 23. The bag of claim 22,wherein the fastener is a d-ring.
 24. The bag of claim 22, wherein thestrap includes a swivel clip to attach to the fastener of the retainingdevice.
 25. The bag of claim 22, wherein the strap creates a trolleysleeve when attached to the fastener of the retaining device.
 26. Thebag of claim 22, wherein the strap creates a shoulder strap whenattached to the fastener of the retaining device.